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334 Ames and Houston
to what constitutes the sexual use of children in a biological sense. Accordingly,
"sociolegal pedophilia" has different dimensions than "oiological pedophilia."
The confusion surrounding the differences between these two conceptualizations
has hindered research into pedophilia, hampering our efforts to understand
this problem. We must distinguish between violations of sociolegal
norms and the more biologically dysfunctional problem of true pedophilia
(i.e., sexually attracted by biologically prepubescent children).
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
The historical record reveals no universal consensus on the appropriateness
of adult/child sex outside the nuclear family. Nonetheless, while little
recorded history exists pertaining to children, the evidence that does exist
indicates that the sexual use of children has a long history.
The sexual use of pubescent boys was practiced in Ancient Greece where
young males, barely past puberty and as yet "unbearded," were solicited by
warriors as proteges and lovers (Vanggaard, 1972). These boys always took
the passive role, since men who allowed themselves to be sodomized were
held in the lowest contempt (Ungaretti, 1978).
The growth of Christianity led to the condemnation of these practices,
though apparently not to protect the young males as much as to prevent onanism
(Goodrich, 1976). These condemnations served to protect male children
somewhat, but no such protection was afforded female children. Medieval
Canon law officially forbade the marriage of girls less than 12 years old,
but it was not uncommon to find girls of 10 married to very old men (Nobile,
1976). The streets of 14th century Florence were alive with children of both
sexes acting as prostitutes (Goodrich, 1976).
Historical accounts from the 18th century indicate that adult/child sex
(particularly same-sex pairings) were an accepted practice in China, Japan,
Africa, Turkey, Arabia, Egypt, and the Islamic areas of India (Trnmbach,
1977). In 19th century London the going price for a virginal, 12-year-old
girl, of good background, was reported to be 400 pounds (Bullough, 1964).
Two recent "travel guides for gentlemen" show that the desire for sexual
interactions with children is still apparent in the Western world. The Discreet
Gentlemen's Guide to the Pleasures of Europe (1975) reported on where one
can find "Lolita-eyed nymphettes who make pocket money with every orifice
but the natural one." Along the same lines, Mankofj~s Lusty Europe (1973)
revealed where one can find prostitutes as young as 10 years old. The full
scope of such sexual practices is indicated in a report on child pornography
given to the Congress of the United States. This report stated that at least
250 publications exist in the U.S. devoted to the graphic depiction of erotica